Nutrition Tips for Managing Knee Arthritis: Foods That Support Joint Function

Knee arthritis can be a painful medical condition that can affect people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults. It causes pain and stiffness and makes it hard to move around, which can make everyday tasks very difficult.

Even though there is no cure for knee arthritis, eating the right foods can help manage the pain and support healthy joints. In this blog, we will look at how nutrition can help and discover different foods that are good for people with knee arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis refers to inflammation and gradual deterioration of joints. It causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the affected joints. When it happens in the knee, it’s called knee arthritis – this causes your knee to hurt, feel stiff, and swell up.

What Causes Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis can develop due to several reasons, including aging, genetic disposition, past joint injuries, and being overweight. Knowing these risk factors can help people take steps to prevent and manage the condition better.

Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis can cause different symptoms for different people. Common signs include joint pain, swelling, less ability to move, and stiffness, especially after not moving for a while.

If you notice these knee arthritis symptoms early, you can get help sooner and manage the condition better.

The Role of Diet in Managing Knee Arthritis

What you eat can really help with knee arthritis. Some foods can reduce pain and swelling in your joints, while others can make it worse.

Here is what a diet plan for knee arthritis should include:

Fish

Health experts recommend eating fish, like salmon and tuna, two times a week to help with arthritis. These fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body.

Studies show that omega-3s can lower levels of certain proteins (C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6) that cause inflammation in the body. Taking fish oil supplements can also reduce joint pain and swelling, especially for people with arthritis.

Nuts & Seeds

Having a handful of nuts daily, such as walnuts and almonds, in your diet can be beneficial for fighting inflammation associated with knee arthritis. Nuts are rich in healthy fats and vitamins that help lower the risk of inflammatory diseases and reduce inflammation markers in the body.

Despite being high in calories, nuts can actually aid in weight loss due to their filling fiber content.

Whole Grains

Eating whole grains like brown rice and quinoa can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which can lower inflammatory markers in the blood.

Including whole-grain foods in your diet is beneficial for overall health and well-being.

Fruits & Vegetables

Eating colorful fruits and veggies every day can provide antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. Berries, cherries, and citrus fruits contain compounds that reduce inflammation, while veggies like broccoli and spinach can lower inflammatory markers.

Aim for at least nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily for maximum benefits.

Olive Oil

Using olive oil in your daily cooking, about two to three tablespoons, can contribute to heart health and reduce inflammation. Olive oil contains oleocanthal, which acts like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, helping to ease pain.

Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for retaining nutrients.

Beans

Incorporating beans like red kidney beans and pinto beans into your meals provides fiber and nutrients that can lower inflammation in the body. Beans are also a good source of protein, essential for muscle health, and contain antioxidant compounds that fight inflammation.

Nightshade Vegetables

Vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, and bell peppers are nutrient-dense and low in calories, making them excellent choices for a healthy diet. These vegetables offer various essential nutrients and can be valuable additions to your meals for their health benefits.

According to experts, nightshade vegetables have a potent nutrient mix that helps inhibit arthritis pain.

Knee Arthritis Treatment in St. Peters, O’Fallon, & Wentzville, MO

Managing knee arthritis with diet is a simple and effective way to improve knee joint health and reduce symptoms. By eating anti-inflammatory foods, you can better manage your knee health and feel better.

Living with knee arthritis doesn’t have to be hard. At Advanced Bone & Joint, we are here to help you with complete care and personalized solutions to manage your symptoms and improve your life. Our team of knee specialists can support you with expert advice, innovative treatments like knee replacement surgery, and caring attention.

To make an appointment, call us today at (636) 241-9807 or submit an appointment request form to book a consultation. We look forward to serving you!